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Bahishti Zewar
Comprehensive Translation with revised commentary, glossary, and appendices, edited and translated by Maulana Muhammad Mahomedy. Bahishti Zewar is a distinguished book written with Muslim women in mind. It is an amazing compendium of religious and temporal information. It has within it's fold, everything a woman should know and will need to know. However, since it also includes juristic answers, the book is also a guide for men and scholars of high rank. Indeed, it has the unique distinction of being written for women in language suitable for them yet offering light to scholars and jurists. This eminent work by Shaykh Ashraf Ali Thanwi, has been translated into contemporary English with revised commentary, glossary and appendices. Edited and Translated by Maulana Muhammad Mahomedy. Imported from Pakistan. Due to shipping and handling, box or books, though brand new, may appear with defects, as it is being imported from overseas and/or within the states.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1981
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 6, 2014
For the longest time, I looked at this book as an outdated text, and never having read it I didn't think much of it. It was once a standard gift that accompanied the new bride into her new home; my grandmother got a copy when she wed, and someone I know who got married in the year 2000 (whose family was time warped also received it in her dowry).
This year I read parts of this book on and off. If you get past the politically incorrect tone of the book --which can be offensive-- its full of gems.
Interestingly enough a modern book quite popular on Amazon written by a man, titled "The Tao of dating", echoes almost the same message when it comes to the romantic relationship part. This proves male wiring to be constant and universally uniform.
This book is a comprehensive guide in all aspects of life, but only if you are willing to live by the Islamic code of life. Feminists will have major objections to this book. This is not to say that a woman must be docile and subservient, because Allah wants her to be so. But rather, it is to say that Allah did not create men and women to compete in this world for leadership, wealth, career progression, equal rights and worldly luxuries. Rather, Allah created us to live together in harmony with the goal of attaining righteousness. Within that context, men and women have gender specific roles assigned by Allah, and they are perfectly in line with our physiological and psychological design.
This year I read parts of this book on and off. If you get past the politically incorrect tone of the book --which can be offensive-- its full of gems.
Interestingly enough a modern book quite popular on Amazon written by a man, titled "The Tao of dating", echoes almost the same message when it comes to the romantic relationship part. This proves male wiring to be constant and universally uniform.
This book is a comprehensive guide in all aspects of life, but only if you are willing to live by the Islamic code of life. Feminists will have major objections to this book. This is not to say that a woman must be docile and subservient, because Allah wants her to be so. But rather, it is to say that Allah did not create men and women to compete in this world for leadership, wealth, career progression, equal rights and worldly luxuries. Rather, Allah created us to live together in harmony with the goal of attaining righteousness. Within that context, men and women have gender specific roles assigned by Allah, and they are perfectly in line with our physiological and psychological design.
August 6, 2008
Reading some traditional Islamic texts for a book club, a bit on the misogynistic side.
September 10, 2019
Very practical islamic book to guide muslims about issues of daily life, be it prayers or dealing with other people.
Some solutions written are of complex nature which are not prevalent in today's society, however the research and easy narration given is commendable.
A must read for every muslim.
Some solutions written are of complex nature which are not prevalent in today's society, however the research and easy narration given is commendable.
A must read for every muslim.
March 26, 2023
Faltu aap
Sirf yaha waha ghuma raha hi...
Sirf yaha waha ghuma raha hi...
January 19, 2017
Heavely Ornaments or Behishti Zewar is one of the most useful & practical books written primarily for the religious education of the women in Pre-partition Indian Subcontinent by a prominent Reformer & Scholar of the time.
Growing up,I had heard a lot of negative remarks about this particular book as it was the standard reference book when it came to any issues related to basic tenets of Islamic faith as well as religious obligations -Faraidh of Islam-& their spiritual impact esp regarding woman ( it has an identical version for Men known as Bahishti Gohar catering to issues related to men).
It was not until I was past my teens that i was able to hear lectures on the book at a neighbors invitation when I realized how important the knowledge in it is for a practicing muslim,namely the laws of Islamic Jurisprudence beginning with Taharah (purity/Ablution), covering Salah (prayer),Zakat (Obligatory Charity),Saum (Fasting),Hajj (Pilgrimage) & Nikah (Marriage contract)with all its do's & don'ts. Unless you know all these details the validity of years of Prayer,Fasting n giving charity will remain shady at the least.Your reward lies in knowing & doing it the right way,not Your Way!
Now interestingly most of the objections related to the book are about the submissive role assigned to a woman if she wants to have a place in her husbands home n heart as well as heaven which ddnt sit well with feminists or so called modern minds. On the contrary the whole purpose of this book as well as many others written by the esteemed author were for the enlightenment & character development of women, improving their management skills & drawing them to educate themselves & those under their influence ie the family. Years of experience only tells you what had been put down in a nutshell regarding husband wife relationship in some chapters of the book.These same principals you will find in any current relationship book with many unwanted details of psychological makes etc. The advice in this book doesn't beat about the bush,hits the nail right on the head n is very practical- no wonder as the rules are derived from Divine inspiration ie the Quran & Sunnah. Thus the name of the book -as its adorned by knowledge & guidance following which enables you to be worthy of wearing the ornaments awaiting in heaven for pious individuals.
Btw the sources for the Laws stated therein were given in detail in Arabic in the older urdu versions,they being works of great authors from the past like Hidaya(Sharah Bidaya) by Imam BurhanUddin Murghinani & Mukhtasar AlQudoori by Imam AbulHussain Qudoori(448Hijrah)
two of the great works of Hanafi Fiqh (Jurisprudence). Recent publications are getting more concise & so just place the name of the source at the bottom.
Note about the Author: HAZRAT MAULANA ASHRAF ALI THANWI (Rahmatullah Aleih), popularly known as “Hakeemul Ummah” (Spiritual Physician of Muslim Ummah) in the Indian subcontinent, was a prominent and celebrated Islamic scholar . He was a distinguished graduate of Islamic University, Darul Uloom, Deoband, India. He was a wise preacher, well-versed teacher, famous Sufi, prolific writer and dynamic orator. In brief, he was an all in one. He had dedicated his life for reformation, rectification and betterment of the Muslim community & root out the evils of custom that had mixed with religion over the years n changed alot of the true practices of Islam.
Growing up,I had heard a lot of negative remarks about this particular book as it was the standard reference book when it came to any issues related to basic tenets of Islamic faith as well as religious obligations -Faraidh of Islam-& their spiritual impact esp regarding woman ( it has an identical version for Men known as Bahishti Gohar catering to issues related to men).
It was not until I was past my teens that i was able to hear lectures on the book at a neighbors invitation when I realized how important the knowledge in it is for a practicing muslim,namely the laws of Islamic Jurisprudence beginning with Taharah (purity/Ablution), covering Salah (prayer),Zakat (Obligatory Charity),Saum (Fasting),Hajj (Pilgrimage) & Nikah (Marriage contract)with all its do's & don'ts. Unless you know all these details the validity of years of Prayer,Fasting n giving charity will remain shady at the least.Your reward lies in knowing & doing it the right way,not Your Way!
Now interestingly most of the objections related to the book are about the submissive role assigned to a woman if she wants to have a place in her husbands home n heart as well as heaven which ddnt sit well with feminists or so called modern minds. On the contrary the whole purpose of this book as well as many others written by the esteemed author were for the enlightenment & character development of women, improving their management skills & drawing them to educate themselves & those under their influence ie the family. Years of experience only tells you what had been put down in a nutshell regarding husband wife relationship in some chapters of the book.These same principals you will find in any current relationship book with many unwanted details of psychological makes etc. The advice in this book doesn't beat about the bush,hits the nail right on the head n is very practical- no wonder as the rules are derived from Divine inspiration ie the Quran & Sunnah. Thus the name of the book -as its adorned by knowledge & guidance following which enables you to be worthy of wearing the ornaments awaiting in heaven for pious individuals.
Btw the sources for the Laws stated therein were given in detail in Arabic in the older urdu versions,they being works of great authors from the past like Hidaya(Sharah Bidaya) by Imam BurhanUddin Murghinani & Mukhtasar AlQudoori by Imam AbulHussain Qudoori(448Hijrah)
two of the great works of Hanafi Fiqh (Jurisprudence). Recent publications are getting more concise & so just place the name of the source at the bottom.
Note about the Author: HAZRAT MAULANA ASHRAF ALI THANWI (Rahmatullah Aleih), popularly known as “Hakeemul Ummah” (Spiritual Physician of Muslim Ummah) in the Indian subcontinent, was a prominent and celebrated Islamic scholar . He was a distinguished graduate of Islamic University, Darul Uloom, Deoband, India. He was a wise preacher, well-versed teacher, famous Sufi, prolific writer and dynamic orator. In brief, he was an all in one. He had dedicated his life for reformation, rectification and betterment of the Muslim community & root out the evils of custom that had mixed with religion over the years n changed alot of the true practices of Islam.
April 10, 2026
This book isn't all bad...
But if you write a 700 page book and only 200 or so of those pages are unproblematic, then I wouldn't say it's a good book.
Misogynistic, harmful, foul(at times), backward and just downright incorrect. I expected so much better from a book that everyone considers the holy grail. But I read passages of this off to my very religious parents and even they were at a loss for words on how to explain it.
It took me so many months to get thru most if this book and I admit I didn't finish it, because I simply couldn't stomach it. It's not violent or gruesome, it's just so dumb. So crass. It reminds you every few pages that these are the ramblings of a man on a power trip.
But if you write a 700 page book and only 200 or so of those pages are unproblematic, then I wouldn't say it's a good book.
Misogynistic, harmful, foul(at times), backward and just downright incorrect. I expected so much better from a book that everyone considers the holy grail. But I read passages of this off to my very religious parents and even they were at a loss for words on how to explain it.
It took me so many months to get thru most if this book and I admit I didn't finish it, because I simply couldn't stomach it. It's not violent or gruesome, it's just so dumb. So crass. It reminds you every few pages that these are the ramblings of a man on a power trip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2015
Many parts of this book are very cultural and do not have any Islamic backing to the advice given. It's a good starting point, but as the reader you must do your background homework to make sure it is correct Islamically in line with Quran and Sunnah.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews